The Killing of a Mule in Trade for Manhood
The Killing of a Mule in Trade for Manhood in In this story, Richard Wright seems to portray that black people are ignorant, unkind, violent, and somewhat a threat to white people. This man who was almost a man, deserves to be called a child because of his selfish and irresponsible ways. Then again if you look closely, Dave really can't learn to be a man because of the way he is treated by his parents. Dave is treated just like a mule. He's given no responsibility, not even the chance to hold on to any part of his earnings. As far as I can see the only reasonable character in this story is a white man by the name of Mr. Hawkins, and even he seems to be an insensitive bigot. The story goes on to show Dave's burning desire to have a gun. The fact of the matter is Dave doesn't want a gun; he wants to be a man, which is a healthy want for a boy of his age. The fact that he thinks that a gun will solve any problem that his environment
Just as Dave is about to jump on the train, "he gripped the gun tightly" (543). In the moments right before his heroic escape, Dave's stomach quivers while he has his hand on the gun. When it is revealed that Dave shot the mule, Mr. He's not placing trust in solutions, but just in his desire to become a man. Dave, not ready to face his new responsibility decides to run away. Dave's belief that having a gun will make him a man is ridiculous, but as the story turns out, owning that gun is his ticket out of town, and his hope for searching and finding a new and better life. Although Dave was very irresponsible in his actions this gun was his ticket out of town and his only hope for becoming a man. It is before he leaves that we see his hatred for Mr. Then again, his only hope for manhood is breaking free from his parents' shortcomings. Ah'd like t scare ol man Hawkins jusa little. "Lawd, ef Ah had just one mo bullet Ah'd taka shot at tha house. "Well, looks like you have bought you a mule, Dave"(195).
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